hi
i was curious as to how long people have been suffering with PTSD?
I was only diagnosed the other day but have had my sypthoms for four years now and people originally thought i was a manic depressant. How long did it take for you?

Hi Cas, and welcome to the boards. In response to your question, I suffered the symptoms of PTSD for 28 years before being diagnosed. I went through many doctors and therapists within the last 6 years, but without much help, until I found the ones that I am currently seeing. I feel like I've made the most progress by far since I was formally diagnosed with PTSD (almost a year ago). Now I am beginning to understand the reasons behind some of my thoughts and actions. For the first time in my life, I'm beginning to see myself as something other than a freak and a misfit. I hope that you can find healing and confidence through your journey.

Probably most of my life. Had a mother who only thought she had one child (it wasn;t me), married an abusive alcoholic at age 18. Lost my middle daughter when she was 21 in a tragic car accident. Five years later lost my best friend of 26 years who also buried her son 6 months before my daughter passed, and then my only sister to suicide 6 months later. Health has deteriorated and that most of the time will cause PTSD flare ups.